Page 152 of Cole

Pastor Kennedy welcomed everyone, his warm voice carrying across the gathering. “We are assembled here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worthand beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and prayers to the words which shall unite Annalisa and Cole in marriage.”

As the pastor spoke about the covenant of marriage and God’s design for it, Cole found himself lost in Annie’s eyes, hardly hearing the words. It wasn’t until Pastor Kennedy prompted them for their vows that he pulled himself back to the moment.

They had written their own vows, wanting to express their unique journey and promises to each other.

Cole spoke first, his voice steady despite the emotion swelling in his chest. “Annie, from the moment I stepped between you and that basketball, something in me recognized you as the one I’d been waiting for. You’ve shown me what it means to love completely, to trust deeply, and to walk in faith daily. I promise to cherish you, to support your dreams as fiercely as you’ve supported mine, and to create a home where God’s love is the foundation. I will be your partner, your friend, and your husband for all the days we’re given.”

Tears glistened in Annie’s eyes as she began her vows. “Cole, you came into my life unexpectedly, but with perfect timing. You’ve taught me that love doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be true. I promise to stand by you through whatever life brings us, to encourage your faith as you’ve encouraged mine, and to work with you to create a family built on love and grace. I give you my heart, my trust, and my future, knowing that with you is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

They exchanged rings, simple bands that symbolized their unending commitment. Cole’s hands trembled slightly as he slid the platinum band onto Annie’s finger, joining it with her engagement ring.

“By the power vested in me,” Pastor Kennedy proclaimed, his voice resonating with joy, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Cole, you may kiss your bride.”

Cole gently cupped Annie’s face in his hands, his eyes conveying everything words couldn’t express. When their lips met, applause erupted around them, but for those precious seconds, they existed in their own world—a world of promises and possibilities.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Pastor Kennedy announced as they turned to face their guests, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Cole Halverson!”

Hand in hand, they walked back down the aisle, faces glowing with happiness. Cole couldn’t stop smiling, couldn’t stop stealing glances at Annie—his wife. The thought alone made his heart soar.

The reception was held in a large white tent that had been transformed into an elegant garden-like space with cascading flowers and twinkling lights throughout. The atmosphere was intimate despite the grandeur of the surroundings, exactly what they had wanted.

As they entered, Duncan approached them first, embracing Annie before turning to Cole.

“Welcome to the family,” he said, his usual stoic expression softened. “Take care of her.”

“I’ll protect her with my life,” Cole promised with one hundred percent sincerity.

As the evening wound down a few hours later, the two of them made their way to Annie’s cabin, where they’d spend the night before leaving the next morning for their honeymoon in Bali. Yet another gift from Duncan and Elizabeth.

“Was it everything you hoped it would be?” Cole asked as they stood together in the loft he had only ever seen in video chats.

“And more,” Annie said with a smile. “But even if everything had gone wrong, as long as we were married, it was perfect.

“I love you,” Cole said as he bent to brush a kiss across her lips.

“I love you too.”

This had been the first day of a new chapter in their lives, and Cole was excited about where God would lead the two of them.

Two years ago, he hadn’t even considered that this might be where he would end up. Yet he couldn’t imagine that anything else would have filled him with the same joy, hope, and contentment that he felt in the moment, holding Annie in his arms. And he prayed that together they’d have that for many years to come.

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